This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. By turns rapturous and rueful, this wise and funny author (whom Booklist calls “Anne Lamott’s hip, yoga- practicing, footloose younger sister”) is poised to garner yet more adoring fans.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: I am going to review each section of this book separately. It must also be noted that I listened to this book on audiobook. I will only do that when it is a non-fiction and read by the author. In this case, I think it might have had something to do with what I thought about the book.

Part 1 (Italy): I really enjoyed this part. I would give it a 5 star rating. It was interesting, engaging, and complete (for lack of a better word). I felt like I was part of her journey and/or that I could have that same type of journey. The amount of description about the landscape, people, and places really had a way to draw you into the story.

Part 2 (India): My least favorite part. I would give it a 3 star rating. I think part of what made Part 1 interesting, actually distracted from this part. I never got caught up on her spiritual journey. In fact, most of the time I felt like she was just kind of counting down to her next part. It was unfortunate but there were interesting parts that made me not give up on the book completely.

Part 3 (Bali): I enjoyed this part though I realize this is usually everyone’s least favorite section of the book. I would give it a 4 star rating. I think this is where I benefited from hearing the author tell the story. Her friendship with the single mom, her reaching out to others for this mom, and her discovery with the medicine man just delighted me. The love story really distracted from this part but since it was the overwhelming part of it, I could live with it.

Overall, I would say read this book if you like stories of people’s journeys through life.

Felicia is just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! She can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. Her eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read.

During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.

If you want to follow her DIY, Health, and Life adventures check out Mess to Best

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I am just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! I can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. My eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read.

I'm an avid dog lover that works with rescues & transports. You can track my non-reading adventures here: Mess To Best)

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About Donna

I'm a tax preparer who loves to read. I've been reading historical romance and history for a very long time. Thanks to my Mom for handing down her Victoria Holt, Mary Stuart, et al when I was in junior high and my Dad who bought me any book I wanted. He believed along with the James Bond, I'd read the classics too. But the biggest thanks goes to my elementary school librarian who made sure we all had something we'd enjoy to read. For me, she picked Queen Elizabeth & the Spanish Armada and Mary, Queen of Scots. Hooked me for life!

I never knew reviews were so important until I was "dragged" onto Facebook and found many friends who feel like I do about books. Now, I post my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes& Noble and sometimes NetGalley. With thanks to Felicia, I get to post my reviews on the Geeky Blogger.

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Just a Note:

I am not a professional reviewer. In fact all I am is an opinionated reader. I give my POV about the books I choose to read. Most books I love (that happens when you choose what you read) but occasionally one lets me down. It is never personal (towards the author, publishing house, or editor)–it is just my personal reading experience. So please read all my reviews with that in mind.